Libero

Libero is a horse float designed to improve the transportation experience for horses, by prioritising equine welfare through facilitating backward facing travel and encouraging willingness to load. This was completed as my dissertation project, across my final year of university. You can read my full dissertation here: Equine Welfare Dissertation

Research shows current transportation methods are causing physical and mental stress to many horses; confining them in a small space and forcing them to use muscles ill-purposed for balancing. Stress triggers the horse’s flight response, which can result in damage to the horse, vehicle and other beings around.

Libero facilitates backwards-facing travel, which is best for horse musculature. Horses load using the telescopic ramp, stored underneath the floor. A unique turning mechanism lifts and rotates the body of the float 180 degrees, before lowering it to lock back into place on the chassis. Double doors at both ends, which feature storage compartments, allow the horse to always walk forwards. An inbuilt balancing system gives the smoothest ride and removes the force impacts of speed changes and turning. Large windows and a spacious ambience open the interior, keeping the horse calm, relaxed and ready to go at your destination.

The Details

Research revealed two main problems: horses are unwilling to load and are uncomfortable when facing the direction of travel. Stressed horses are dangerous, potentially causing damage to themselves, the float and other beings around.

Being a flight animal, it is critical that the horse remain calm and don’t feel trapped. For those unfamiliar with horses, they carry around 60% of their weight on their shoulders, and use their hind legs more like shock absorbers.

Based off this information I formed two goals: facilitate backwards travel and encourage willingness to load.

Libero’s unique feature is it’s turning ability. It goes from this lowered position, locked in by the chassis and keeping a low centre of gravity…

...to this. Raised and balanced in the air by four air systems. This system allows the horse to balance effortlessly in a natural position, ensuring they are calm and fresh at the destination.

An Air ride suspension allows Libero used to lift the body of the float. Four evenly placed bags expand to clear the body of the wheels. They are also used to slightly tilt the body into corners during motion.

Once in the air, a two part turning mechanism, integrated with the floor, steadily rotates it around.

All of this is controlled automatically through a tech box. Located on the drawbar, out the way of the turning circle, one press of the green button turns it 180*. An emergency stop and manual override buttons have been included too.

A low centre of gravity was achieved by keeping the body in between the wheels, and by using axle-less suspension. These independent systems provide a very smooth ride and are easier to maintain.

Double doors are featured at both ends. These allow the horse to always walk forwards: loading on through one set, rotating around then exiting through the other set. These can also be used to control when the horses come out.

Storage compartments are located inside the doors, accessible when the doors are opened and secured when the doors are locked. Each compartment is 850mm deep, making all areas easily reachable.

The windows, designed through user testing, have been made extra large. Horses 10hh or taller can see comfortable out. These windows help keep the horse calm, by opening up the space and encouraging the horse to relax. These will be slightly tinted to protect against glare and lights during night travel.

Airflow in and out of the float will be through adjustable vents. These vents will bring in cool air and dissipate it before it hits the horse. They are compact, keeping horses safe and can be closed to protect against the weather.

A telescopic ramp, stored at underneath the floor, gives the horses a gentle incline into the float. Rubber matting with raised nodules provides grip, especially during wet weather, and is easily cleanable.

The ramp is easily pulled out, with each section on ball bearing runners. Two ergonomically placed, inbuilt handles encourages use of both hands.

Once inside, the horses are secured using gates. These are optional as the horse will now be self-balancing, however have been included to encourage the horses to stay in the middle section, balancing the float and preventing leaning on the storage compartments. The gates are quick release, good in the case of an emergency, with rounded edges and cushioning incase the horse does lean against them.

The bay itself is 2000x1680mm. Big enough to have two horses side by side with ample room to balance. An extra 300mm at the front and back gives extra neck room for the taller horses.

Extra internal features include cushioning on the roof, to protect against any head knocks, and recessed tie up points for securing the horse safely, without them getting tangled.

The main body structure will be made of Monopan. This material is around half the weight of steel, yet extremely impact resistant and weather proof.

The windows will be made of tinted polycarbonate and wood planking will provide extra wall strength.

In summary, Libero promotes equine welfare by facilitating backwards-facing travel which is best for horses’ confirmation and featuring an open interior space. Horses travelling in this float will be willing to load, calm and relaxed at the destination.

Exhibition

I was honoured to display my project at the graduates exhibition night, alongside the wonderful work of my colleagues. The night was open to professionals from the design industry, supporters, students, families, friends and the public.